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webtrekker
21-11-2016, 10:54 AM
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GoonerGary
21-11-2016, 01:37 PM
I tried drilling 1mm aluminium. It can be dangerous to hands and eyes, so I get it milled instead...much easier.

Skarekrow
21-11-2016, 04:48 PM
I find the same thing when I am drilling into dibond (aluminium composite sign board) It tend to happen if I apply too much pressure to the drill.

Doesn't the rag get caught up in the drill?

Paul

wayupnorth
21-11-2016, 06:47 PM
Not sure what size hole you need but I purchased a hole punch set for producing my own bookmarks. The trick to cutting thin sheet is to sandwich & clamp it between two sheets of ply, drill a pilot hole and progressively enlarge. You can also use a cone cut which is as the name suggests a conical drill with a single flute that will create any sized hole up to its maximum diameter. They come in different sizes. A third method is to use a hole saw but you wont get a clean finish.

My choice would be a conecut and support the sheet on ply. Ideally you would use a pillar drill and set the stop to the required diameter. It is easy to over cut. They are not expensive and worthwhile if you intend to make more clocks.

mr-gobby
22-11-2016, 07:47 AM
Good tip and nice of you to share it.

webtrekker
22-11-2016, 10:19 AM
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Skarekrow
22-11-2016, 02:00 PM
Ah so it is a tiny piece of cloth that can spin with the drill.

That makes sense.

Paul

webtrekker
22-11-2016, 07:47 PM
[User Deleted]

Developit
23-11-2016, 08:41 AM
I have been drilling holes in aluminum sheets with a fiskars hand drill. Clamp metal to bench and drill. Simple and easy to control. My husband calls it my "girls drill" but it's all I need to do this.